My search for the best hot dog in New York continues….
SADLY, HUERTAS IS NOW CLOSED.
This really authentic and delicious Basque tapas bar just celebrated their third year anniversary in April. And as a celebration, they had all sorts of ridiculously cheap specials. How could I not sit at the bar and order a glass of vermouth for $3 (tip included!)??
Huertas is an exciting place with great Happy Hour specials and a traditional but modern vibe. I definitely need to come back for dinner.
But this month-long anniversary special is finally what lured me in. Vermouth and sherry weren’t the only $3 items – they were also offering up their popular Basque hot dog for three bones.
I had heard quite a bit about this hot dog and the bartender (who informed me gratuity is included with everything ordered) told me she was obsessed with the hot dog and eats a few a night.
So my expectations were high. Unfortunately I can’t say they were fully met. It was an interesting spin on a New York dog but nothing I would take down multiple times a night (even for $3 a pop).
The link itself felt pretty generic although it is made in house and is an example of a Spanish sausage called a chistorra. It was garlicky and salty but didn’t have an overwhelming snap. It certainly wasn’t bad but nothing special considering there are other spectacular hot dog purveyors nearby.
Perhaps the typical Basque toppings were what prevented me from getting a good sense of the actual wiener. The garlicky aioli had that rich mayo thickness and a piquillo pepper mostarda stood in for a chili or sweet onion sauce. The flavors were good, but again nothing stood out or made this terribly memorable when it comes to a hot dog.
The price, ambiance, excellent service, and impressive commitment to legit Spanish food is the reason to come to Huertas. I really liked my experience and will be sure to send tour attendees I meet on my nearby Cocktail Tour here for dinner. But for a New York hot dog, I’m afraid I have to send them somewhere else.
Does Huertas have the best hot dog in NY? It has spicy and rich Basque flavors but neither the toppings nor the dog itself was anything to get too excited about. 6 out of 10 for soft texture and a concept that just did not work for me.
| HUERTAS |
| 107 First Avenue (between East 6th and East 7th Street), East Village (212) 228-4490 |
| huertasnyc.com |
Absolutely return once their usual happy hour menu is back, there’s always a good selection of tapas and one or two cocktails and beer – for about $20 you can have a drink and a small delicious dinner!